Kenny Ray Gooch, 32, of Powells Point, tried to save his girlfriend’s 12-year-old son, who was swimming near the Kitty Hawk pier with two teens, when they were pulled 75 yards out by a rip current, WTKR reported.

Gooch rushed in to help but was pulled out to sea and disappeared.

Bystanders rescued the 12-year-old. The 19- and 14-year-old made it back to shore on their own, according to WTKR.